Clutch Friction Zone ?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 23, 2012 | 01:08 PM

BuckeyeUltra

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 129

Likes: 21

From: Music City, USA

Clutch Friction Zone ?

I adjusted my clutch recently and it start to grab where i want it and it has not slipped at all since adjustment.

However, when it starts to grab it doesnt "Bite" well, its kind mushy. Also, it takes a long time to go through the friction zone.

1) did i adjust wrong

2) how do i make it "hook up" better?

thanks.

Apr 23, 2012 | 01:14 PM

mkguitar

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 14,744

Likes: 402

From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins

1.) maybe, maybe not

2.) stronger spring

Mike

Apr 23, 2012 | 01:21 PM

2black1s

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 3,846

Likes: 173

From: Simi Valley, CA

I don't think the "bite" or "hook-up" as you say has anything to do with the adjustment. That charactristic is in the clutch design.

As long as you have some freeplay in the clutch, in the lever, the clutch engages/disengages as you like, and the clutch doesn't slip, then you have it adjusted within an acceptable range.

Changing the "bite' or "hook-up" would require new clutch components or experimenting with the oil type you are using in the primary.

Apr 23, 2012 | 01:47 PM

BigJimmy

Advanced

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 61

Likes: 0

From: Cypress, TX

-----

Last edited by BigJimmy; Apr 23, 2012 at 01:49 PM. Reason: double post for some reason

Apr 23, 2012 | 01:47 PM

BigJimmy

Advanced

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 61

Likes: 0

From: Cypress, TX

What primary oil are you using?
The oil type and level can make a difference.
I didn't like the H-D SYN3 in the primary on my '02 Ultra...for what that's worth.

Apr 23, 2012 | 02:01 PM

Lowcountry Joe

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 4,928

Likes: 69

From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC

At least you know about the friction zone. That's where you want to live during low speed maneuvers as you apply a little trail braking in those "tight" turn situations.

Apr 23, 2012 | 02:09 PM

2black1s

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 3,846

Likes: 173

From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowcountry Joe

At least you know about the friction zone. That's where you want to live during low speed maneuvers as you apply a little trail braking in those "tight" turn situations.

Now this is a whole 'nuther topic! And the topic I thought this thread would be about when I saw the thread title.

Let's just say there are a lot of opinions on this. Personally, I never want to "live in the friction zone" unless it's absolutely necessary. I want my clutch in or out with a minimum of time in the friction zone.

It's been a while since we've had this discussion.

Last edited by 2black1s; Apr 23, 2012 at 02:11 PM.

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Verdad Gallardo

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Verdad Gallardo

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Pouria Savadkouei

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Pouria Savadkouei

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Verdad Gallardo

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Verdad Gallardo

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Verdad Gallardo

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Verdad Gallardo

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Joe Kucinski

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Verdad Gallardo

Apr 23, 2012 | 04:31 PM

PghCycle24

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 1,124

Likes: 4

From: pittsburgh, pa

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2black1s

2black1s, there may be varied "opinions", but the fact is that any instuctor of an advanced course will tell you that the key to low speed control and handling is the use of throttle, keeping the clutch in the friction zone-or "gray zone" as we learned during advanced motor training, and rear brake to retard progress. That technique allows a far greater degree of control at low speed, enabling one to lock the forks over and turn with max lean and turn the bike 90, 180, even 360 degrees if such a maneuver is needed. The end result of such training and technique is a rider who has confidence and control of their bike far greater than the average rider. This is not "opinion". It is fact.

Last edited by PghCycle24; Apr 23, 2012 at 04:55 PM.

Apr 23, 2012 | 04:46 PM

#10

PghCycle24

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 1,124

Likes: 4

From: pittsburgh, pa

[quote=BuckeyeUltra;9707393]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2black1s

I want my clutch in or out with a minimum of time in the friction zone.quote]

Thats the bridge im attempting to cross. It takes to long to ge tthrough my friction zone and i dont care for it. I like the effort it takes for me to pull the clutch, but i much more prefer my Dad "03 RKC

...Also, running stock lube from HD, planning on changing to something better when i do the 10K (im at 8 right now)

Lastly, sorry for the disapointing thread...lol

Don't sell yourself short. This was a valid question and invited input that you need. There were some good posts here, and everything you learn on HDF will enable you to become a better and (hopefully) safer rider.

One of the posts mentioned the primary fluid. That certainly will affect how a clutch "bites". I run Redline primary oil in my primary. While it is a synthetic, it has a balance of friction enhancing substances alowing for proper clutch operation. Maybe have an indy pull the primary cover and do an internal clutch adjustment as well as a fluid change and see where your at. Sometimes an internal clutch adjustment changes things for the better. The Redline shockproof transmission oil really makes a difference too, making the HD tranny shift far smoother than it does with HD Formula plus. But that's another topic.

Keep asking questions. The only dumb ones are the ones you fail to ask.